Biodiversity baseline assessment in the REDD-Plus pilot and key biodiversity area in Mt. Nacolod, Southern Leyte

This Report is a consolidation of the 2011 Wet Season Biodiversity Assessment and the follow-up Dry Season Biodiversity Assessment conducted in May and June 2013 of the Mt. Nacolod Key Biodiversity Area and selected REDD-Plus pilot areas. With the seasonal variation taken care of, this consolidated Report of both assessments provides a clear picture of the biodiversity situation of Southern Leyte in particular and Leyte Island in general.

An assessment of the implementation of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Philippines Volume II: Case Studies

An evaluation of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) was carried out through an actual review of 34 real FPIC cases. In support to the main report (Volume I), this volume contains the case studies conducted in Luzon (20), Visayas (2) and Mindanao (12), and also covered the range of projects for which the FPIC is normally sought, mainly for extractive processes such as mining (17) and energy-related activities (5) as well as integrated forest management agreements (5) and only limitedly to conservation/ reforestation projects (2) and others (5). In addition to these sites selected from random sampling, four special cases, known for questionable FPIC processes, were also chosen.

An assessment of the implementation of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Philippines Volume I: Main Report

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) was adopted in 1997 and is the Philippine state’s primary legal instrument for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of the indigenous peoples (IPs)/indigenous cultural communities (ICCs). In line with the principles of indigenous peoples’ rights to land and resources, cultural integrity and self-determination, the law provides for the mechanism of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). In the context of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD-plus), the FPIC mechanism constitutes an important safeguard to avoid social or environmental harm from REDD-plus policies, measures and activities, and create multiple benefits. The Philippine National REDD-Plus Strategy (PNRPS) recognizes the importance of safeguards in ensuring that REDD+ policies and projects protect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and guaranteeing their meaningful involvement and participation. The objective of the study is to (1) assess the implementation of the FPIC provisions as an effective safeguard for IPs to assert their right to self-determination; (2) determine the definition of consent in affected communities; and (3) develop policy-related recommendations for enhancing the FPIC process in the Philippines, which can be helpful in the context of climate-relevant forest policies and their implementation.

An assessment of the implementation of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Philippines Volume I: Main Report

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) was adopted in 1997 and is the Philippine state’s primary legal instrument for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of the indigenous peoples (IPs)/indigenous cultural communities (ICCs). In line with the principles of indigenous peoples’ rights to land and resources, cultural integrity and self-determination, the law provides for the mechanism of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). In the context of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD-plus), the FPIC mechanism constitutes an important safeguard to avoid social or environmental harm from REDD-plus policies, measures and activities, and create multiple benefits. The Philippine National REDD-Plus Strategy (PNRPS) recognizes the importance of safeguards in ensuring that REDD+ policies and projects protect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, and guaranteeing their meaningful involvement and participation. The objective of the study is to (1) assess the implementation of the FPIC provisions as an effective safeguard for IPs to assert their right to self-determination; (2) determine the definition of consent in affected communities; and (3) develop policy-related recommendations for enhancing the FPIC process in the Philippines, which can be helpful in the context of climate-relevant forest policies and their implementation.

Who owns the carbon in the Philippine forests? A study on clarifying forest carbon rights for REDD-plus in the Philippines Volume II: Case studies

This study summarizes the four extensive case studies that examine the socio-economic, cultural and political implications of carbon rights and carbon rights contracts on indigenous peoples and local communities, and that provide key insights for the clarification of safeguards and carbon rights in the Philippines, which enrich the findings and recommendations made in Volume I.

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Storms carrying winds of at least 300 kph, like Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” are likely to be “the norm for the Philippines” as a result of climate change, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said, echoing findings made by a panel of climate experts submitted to the United Nations.

MANILA - Some leaders of nongovernmental organizations in the Philippines advancing environmental causes find the government's climate change mitigation and adaption programs wanting even after the country suffered massive devastation from the wrath of super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) five months ago.